Private ADHD
titration adhd medsThere is currently a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service can provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be informed whether medication may be beneficial in your particular situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link or over the phone). Your clinician will explain the various options for medication and, if you choose to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which can take several weeks. It requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate up to three different medicines before you find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child's behavior, so that they can let the doctor know if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment, you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You'll be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist as appropriate. Usually the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it is possible to have an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).
We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dosage, as well as any side effects that you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration appointments is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms impact your life, including any issues with relationships you may be having or other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to examine your family history in order to determine if you are at a higher chance of developing this condition.
During this examination, it is vital that you are truthful and honest with the clinician, as they will be using the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who specializes in this area. If you'd like to start treatment right away it is possible to start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
If you're not sure which one you prefer We suggest you talk with your GP prior to booking your private assessment as some providers have different policies about whether they require a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for medication.
Medication
Medication is an integral element of the process for many who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't always easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.
Inquiring your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider that offers an assessment that is private and titration. This will cut down your waiting time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've been identified as a candidate for this treatment, your chosen clinician will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be adjusted on your medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are factors that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any current conditions you suffer from. The process of
titration process adhd can be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are stable on the medication, note any adverse reactions you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements as well as an annual check-up.
Some patients may be content with their medication, and do not require discussing their titration further. However, for those who require further discussion about the
titration adhd meds process and treatment plan, it's possible to be referred back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this happens, the
Titration process adhd appointment will be included in the consultation fees and they will be given their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.